“I did not know this side of you.” I cannot count the number of times I have heard this statement in the last one or two years. I am always tempted to respond with a quote; “We all have a different level of energy when passion meets purpose, and you recognize your own path when you come upon it because you will suddenly have all the energy and imagination you will need”

However, most of the time I will wash the comment down with a smile and a thank you. Those who are more curious will take the conversation further with a few questions. How did you settle on training and coaching? How did you decide to make such a major career shift? I answer the questions in all honesty. I however know that deep inside they have a deeper question. A more personal question. A question most people will not ask themselves or someone else. A mystery they hope can be resolved through association or by hanging out with someone like me and asking a few questions. Their major but silent question is “How do I solve the dissatisfaction in my life and career?”

The mistake they make is that they are looking at my move as a shift. I however look at it as growth, Intentional growth. A chance to utilize my full potential and experience the best version of me. Growth is not always about money or status; sometimes the best growth is within you: the way you think and the way you feel. If you normally take time to reflect and take stock of your life you know if your heart is at peace or not. You can tell if you were made for something more or need something different. The most important thing is the intention and courage to discover that which you were cut out for or that which gives you fulfillment. It’s also about setting intentional goals that bring out the best in you.

If you are at crossroads,

1. Listen to your inner voice – Deep down you know if you want more or want different in life. Your inner voice does not lie. When everyone walks away, the windows shut and you sit in silence, you know whether you are happy and thrilled or sad and disappointed by where you are.
2. Make the bold move – Start small but start anyway. “Start by one push up, one lap, one cup of water, paying one debt, reading one page, making one sale, deleting that contact, attending one event, writing one paragraph; start today, repeat tomorrow. Start before you are ready.
3. Cancel the noise – Your next move or goal could be meaningless to everyone else around you including the people you care most about. If you listen to every other voice, you will have more reasons to doubt yourself and let go. If you are certain of what you need to do and have your valid reasons, then that is the only voice that you need to hear.
4. Hang on – If you want to see progress watch the grass grow. It takes time to grow roots, firm up, get above the surface and spread to form an even surface. The same applies to any habit or new venture. Give it time to form roots and grow. Celebrate every milestone. Be your biggest cheerleader. Stay focused on the goal.
5. Find your tribe but stay true to yourself – There is strength in numbers. You do not need to make tight friends to walk with you. You however need to know people who are in a similar journey. People you can learn from, people who identify with your lows and highs. People who can share in your truth and keep you grounded.

You feel unsettled in life because you know you are meant for more. “To live a fulfilled life, we need to keep creating the ‘what is next’ of our lives. Without dreams and goals there is no living only merely existing and that is not why we are here.” Mark Twain

Photo by Antony Trivet: https://www.pexels.com/photo/bearded-man-holding-his-blazer-13364939/

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